In recent testimony before the House Judiciary Committee, Mr. Holder said he had no knowledge of the controversial program in which gun dealers along the Mexican border were encouraged to sell thousands of firearms to straw purchasers who then re-sold them to smugglers attached to drug cartels in Mexico.

“Allegations that senior Justice Department officials may have intentionally misled members of Congress are extremely troubling and must be addressed by an independent and objective special counsel. I urge you to appoint a special counsel who will investigate these allegations as soon as possible,” Representative Smith wrote.